A collapsed lung, also known as a pneumothorax, occurs when air escapes out of a lung and becomes trapped inside the space between the chest and lung cavities. This can be caused by air blisters in the lungs that break open, sudden air pressure changes, or trauma to the chest or ribcage.
The IRS interpreted this provision as applying only to full-time students. In a 1993 technical advice memorandum, the IRS provided a safe-harbor definition of a full-time undergraduate student as one who is taking 12 credit hours and working no more than 20 hours per week.
Full-time students and part-time students are defined by their course load. Full time status is required for eligibility for student loans, for most awards, scholarships and bursaries, to participate in college athletics or to stay in residence. To maintain full-time student status you must be enrolled in at least 60% of the required courses for your program in each semester.